WASHINGTON, May 25: The Bush administration is considering moving faster toward self-rule in Iraq by bringing forward the date for its first national elections from next January to as early as this fall , people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

Some administration officials have resisted the idea, arguing that the violent turmoil in the country would preclude holding elections any sooner than January for a national assembly, which would then pick a transitional government.

But the White House is seriously considering accelerating the timetable, sources said. It is seeking input from the United Nations on whether it would be feasible to hold elections this fall or winter, a few months before schedule and closer to the Nov 2 US presidential election.

"Obviously we want to see it done as soon as possible, if we can, if it's feasible," said one source. Mr Bush is under pressure to expedite the transfer of power in Iraq.

Spreading violence and the scandal over the inhumane treatment of prisoners by the US military have pushed his approval ratings to new lows and cast doubt on his chances of re-election.

Bush left open the possibility of rescheduling the vote in a speech on Monday night, saying national elections would be held "no later than next January". In an Oval Office meeting with a group of Iraqis, Mr Bush said he "assured them we have a plan to help Iraq achieve free elections".

"They want to vote. They want to have elections," he told reporters. Just last week White House spokesman Scott McClellan played down the chances of bringing the elections forward. "You want to make sure those are free and fair and open elections... I think you have to be realistic," he said.

Moving up Iraq's elections could help Mr Bush make the case to sceptical Americans that the political transition is on track, or even ahead of schedule. It may also help blunt criticism that the United States is keeping Iraqis from electing their own leaders while standing up an interim government starting June 30 that will be handpicked by the UN and friendly to Washington. -Reuters